Tackling Bike Safety In Boston

October 4, 2012

A man rides a bicycle on his morning work commute through downtown Boston. (AP)

The greater Boston area is going through something of a bicycle renaissance. Thanks in part to 56 miles of new trails, the opening of the Hubway bike-share program, and a growing appreciation for healthy living, bike ridership has doubled since 2007.

But unfortunately, the number of accidents and injuries is also rising — including a pair of fatalities just last month. Boston Emergency Medical Services count more than 450 bike-related accidents and collisions this year, up significantly since a year ago.

That’s prompted advocates to call on the city to do more to make the city safer for bikes. But it’s unclear what more is needed: more education for bikers or motorists, more or better bikes lanes, better enforcement of traffic laws — or some other idea alltogether.